Adapt to and Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change

Importance

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our global society. There is clear evidence that human induced climate change is having an increasingly negative impact on the environmental, economic and social conditions of our communities.

The Region is committed to leadership and action on this important societal issue, as concrete actions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change will lead to a sustainable and resilient community for future generations.

During the current Term of Council, the Region was focused on reducing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) to 10% below 1990 levels and reducing the likelihood of sewer back-ups during severe weather events.

Desired outcome 1

Reduced incidents of sewer back-ups during severe weather events caused by surcharge of the sanitary system.

Measurement:

• Per cent reduction in inflow and infiltration into wastewater system (in 10 target areas)
• Per cent reduction in surcharge (in 10 target areas)

Over the last four years, we:

• Completed a region-wide long-term inflow and infiltration strategy to reduce the risk of basement flooding during severe weather events (caused by sewer back-ups). Through this strategy, work has begun on studying 10 priority areas of high inflow and infiltration in Peel. Of these 10, the top three highest priority areas (based on flooding history, age and growth) are undergoing monitoring and testing to mitigate inflow and infiltration which will then be applied to the remaining priority areas.
• Implemented new sanitary sewer design and construction standards to ensure new and rehabilitated infrastructure works to reduce the risk of sewer back-ups due to severe weather events.

Desired outcome 2

Decreased corporate GHG emissions (10% below 1990 levels).

Measurement: Per cent reduction in the amount of corporate GHGs

Over the last four years, we:

• Leveraging a cleaner electricity grid and implementing a combination of energy and fleet strategies to achieve a reduction in corporate GHG emissions in 2017* of 24% below 1990 levels, exceeding our target of 10% below 1990 levels.
• Formalized the Office of Climate Change and Energy Management to integrate planning and delivery of climate change efforts throughout the organization and developed the Region of Peel Climate Change Master Plan.
• Completed a review of Regional fleet vehicles and identified opportunities through the Green Fleet Strategy, to allow us to expand the use of green vehicles with a variety of fuel sources.